Automatic waypoint area navigation system

Abstract

An area navigation device automatically establishes waypoints along an RNAV course line intersecting with the four cardinal radials of VORTAC stations. For a given VORTAC station, the pilot selects any of the four cardinal radials and is automatically provided with the distance from the VORTAC station, along that cardinal radial, as the intersection with his selected RNAV course line. Thus, a pilot can quickly sequence through the cardinal radials and quickly ascertain the availability of waypoints along that radial. After an automatically generated cardinal waypoint is selected, it is automatically entered into memory dedicated to that waypoint for later recall and conventional use in area navigation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to aircraft navigation devices, and more particularly to area navigation devices, known in the art as "RNAV" devices. Specifically, the present invention automatically generates waypoints on the four cardinal radials of VORTAC stations wherever those radials happen to intersect the intended flight path. In a presently preferred embodiment, the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement is incorporated into an RNAV device so as to form an integral part thereof. This application is related to our copending, commonly assigned design patent application Ser. No. 217,382 filed concurrently herewith on Dec. 17, 1980 for Faceplate Including Controls and Digital Readout of Aeronautical Radio Navigation Device.

To help understand the prior art background of the invention, reference should initially be made to FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 1, there is shown in block diagram, a typical arrangement for a known RNAV device 20. RNAV device 20 is intended for use in combination with at least one conventional navigational system 26 including a VOR output providing the radial course (angular bearing) of an aircraft position with respect to a VORTAC station to which the navigation system is tuned; and a DME (distance measuring equipment) output indicating the distance (range) of the aircraft position from/to that VORTAC station. In addition, RNAV device 20 is used in conjunction with an HSI/CDI (horizontal situation indicator/course deviation indicator) having a steering needle, an omnidirectional bearing selector (OBS) and a "To/From" flag. Such devices are well known and therefore, they will not be discussed in further detail.

A conventional RNAV device, such as RNAV device 20, allows a pilot to establish a waypoint at any arbitrary position that can be defined with respect to a VORTAC station (as long as the pilot can define the radial/distance position of the waypoint with respect to the VORTAC station). Once the pilot has entered data representing the waypoint into RNAV 20, it keeps track of the aircraft's current position with respect to the VORTAC station and reckons the appropriate course to the waypoint established by the pilot. Using an HSI/CDI with a steering needle and an OBS input or other means for navigating along a desired bearing to or from the waypoint, the pilot can fly the RNAV course reckoned by RNAV 20. Thus, RNAV devices have made it possible to define a direct flight path from one way point to another by allowing a pilot to establish intermediate "imaginary" waypoints, not necessarily coincident with VORTAC stations, eliminating the prior necessity of establishing a flight path directly from VORTAC station to VORTAC station. Concurrently, the RNAV device continuously reckons the distance from the aircraft to its designated waypoint.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a graphical plot illustrating the typical use of a conventional RNAV. Using an RNAV, a pilot can navigate directly from a point of departure A to a destination B by establishing "imagninary" waypoints such as WP#1, WP#2 and WP#3. These "imaginary" waypoints are generally not located at VORTAC stations. Rather, each waypoint is defined with respect to a VORTAC station. Generally, the first VORTAC to be used is near the departure airport. In this example, the first VORTAC used is VORTAC XXX. The pilot selects the location of WP#1 along his route and defines the position or "address" of that waypoint as a radial bearing and distance from VORTAC XXX. Typically, the pilot determines the position of the waypoint with the aid of a map and plotting devices. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the position of WP#1 is 120.degree. radial bearing (from magnetic north) and 37 nautical miles (NM) distance from VORTAC XXX.

Using other convenient VORTAC stations along the route such as VORTAC YYY and VORTAC ZZZ, WP#2 and WP#3 are defined. WP#2 is defined as 9.degree. bearing and 41 NM range from VORTAC YYY. WP#3 is defined as the 350.degree. radial and 45 NM distance from VORTAC ZZZ.

Typically, before the pilot departs, he enters several waypoint addresses into the memory of RNAV 20 and his desired course bearing from A to B into the OBS. After lift off, navigational system 26, supplying radial bearing and distance information to RNAV 20, is tuned to the frequency of VORTAC XXX. RNAV 20 keeps track of the aircraft's position with respect to VORTAC XXX and notes its progress toward the pilot defined WP#1. The pilot can use his RNAV driven HSI/CDI to fly the desired RNAV course (input via the OBS and calculated by RNAV 20) to reach WP#1. At some point along his RNAV course, after passing WP#1, the pilot tunes his navigational system so as to receive the signal from VORTAC YYY and continues flying the desired RNAV course as directed by the HSI/CDI to reach WP#2, and so on.

Referring now to FIG. 3 there is graphically depicted the classic RNAV triangle. This triangle indicates the manner in which known RNAV devices, such as RNAV 20 drive the HSI/CDI so as to permit the pilot to establish a course to a desired waypoint.

The pilot defines a desired waypoint along his flight path. The waypoint is defined by its radial bearing and distance from a selected VORTAC station. Thus the waypoint is defined by a waypoint position vector (known in the art as the "B" vector). The waypoint position vector is entered into the RNAV device as the waypoint address. The aircraft's present position is automatically defined by a radial (bearing) and distance to the aircraft from the selected VORTAC station. Thus, there is defined an aircraft present position vector (known in the art as the "A" vector). The aircraft present position vector is provided as a second input to RNAV device 20 by navigational system 26. RNAV 20 uses the waypoint position vector ("B" vector) and aircraft present position vector ("A" vector) to compute the bearing and range (distance) to the waypoint from the aircraft's present position. This bearing and range, so computed, constitutes the RNAV course line (known in the art as the "C" vector) and it can then be compared to the desired course line entered via the OBS to compute and provide appropriate drive signals to the HSI/CDI. The waypoint address, aircraft present position and the computed bearing and range from the aircraft to the waypoint form the classic RNAV triangle shown in FIG. 3. Of course, there are many different RNAV devices in current use and they may calculate the RNAV course line according to a variety of different methods. However, they are all based upon the classic RNAV triangle shown in FIG. 3.

Typically, RNAV 20 also compares the desired OBS course setting, entered by the pilot from the aircraft's HSI/CDI, with the computed bearing (RNAV course line-"C" vector) and displays the difference as a linear course line deviation on a left/right steering needle.

The use of conventional RNAV thus enhances a pilot's ability to fly more directly from point to point rather than from VORTAC station to VORTAC station. However, the use of conventional RNAV requires the pilot to establish the imaginary waypoints independent of the RNAV device. The pilot must, with the aid of his maps and plotting instruments, determine the position of a desired waypoint and then enter data defining that position into RNAV device 20. Only then can RNAV device 20 compute an RNAV course to that waypoint. Thus substantial pilot attention is required which may divert his attention from other matters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement according to the present invention provides an increased level of sophistication over conventional RNAV devices. The arrangement automatically determines waypoints along the desired RNAV course line and enters them into the RNAV device. Specifically, the invention determines whether the cardinal radials (0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree.) of a VORTAC station intersect an RNAV course line being flown and, if so, the position of such an intersection. The intersections, in essence, become waypoints along the RNAV course line.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a graphical representation of the functional application of the automatic waypoint arrangement according to the present invention. It is assumed that an aircraft is departing from point A and is flying a direct RNAV route to destination point B and that the pilot has entered the desired overall magnetic course from A to B via the OBS. After lifting off, the pilot tunes his navigational receiver to VORTAC AAA. VORTAC AAA has four (4) cardinal radials (0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree.). After activating the automatic waypoint arrangement, he can select each of the cardinal radials. For each such selection, the automatic waypoint arrangement automatically determines whether the cardinal radial selected intersects the RNAV course being flown. In the example shown, when the 0.degree. radial is selected for VORTAC AAA, the automatic waypoint arrangement determines that the 0.degree. radial of VORTAC AAA intersects the RNAV course at a 30 NM range. Thus AWP#1 is automatically established along the 0.degree. radial of VORTAC AAA. Of course, AWP#1 is defined with respect to VORTAC station AAA, i.e. 0.degree. bearing and 30 NM range.

Of course the pilot could have preset the cardinal radial to the 0.degree. cardinal radial through inspection of his chart and observing the relationship of the planned flight path to VORTAC AAA and the 0.degree. radial.

Further along the flight path, the pilot may tune his navigational system to VORTAC BBB. By sequencing through the various cardinal radials he locates two intersections of cardinal radials with his RNAV course line. One such intersection is along the 270.degree. radial and the other intersection is along the 0.degree. radial (AWP#2 and AWP#4, respectively) defined with respect to this VORTAC station. AWP#4, along the 0.degree. radial is automatically displayed by the arrangement as 0.degree. bearing and 20 NM and AWP#2 is automatically displayed as 270.degree. bearing and 20 NM distance from VORTAC BBB. The pilot selects the most convenient cardinal waypoint for use in navigating along that portion of his RNAV flight path that he is on. In this case, AWP#2 is convenient and is selected (e.g., by depressing a single switch). Once selected, AWP#2 is automatically treated as any other waypoint. The RNAV device keeps track of the position of the aircraft with respect to VORTAC BBB and provides the appropriate information on its display and to an associated HSI/CDI to enable the pilot to steer a course to AWP#2.

As the flight progresses farther along the flight path, it may be convenient to define a third automatic waypoint (AWP#3). AWP#3 is defined with respect to VORTAC CCC. After tuning his navigational receiver to VORTAC CCC, the pilot selects various cardinal radials, causing the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement to compute the position of any waypoint (intersections) that may exist along the selected radial. In this case, there are two waypoints on cardinal radials from VORTAC CCC. AWP#5 is located on the 90.degree. radial at 20 NM and AWP#3 is located on the 180.degree. radial at 20 NM. In this case, it is convenient to utilize AWP#3 for the next leg of the flight path.

As the flight further progresses, the pilot may find it useful to define and navigate toward AWP#4, automatically computed along the 0.degree. radial VORTAC BBB. This particular waypoint was previously computed and noted by the pilot but disregarded in favor of a more convenient waypoint (AWP#2) for an earlier portion of the RNAV flight path. Now, however, it becomes convenient to utilize AWP#4 to navigate that portion of the flight path between AWP#3 and AWP#4. Similarly, for that portion of the flight path between AWP#4 and AWP#5, the pilot may find it useful to utilize AWP#5, located on the 90.degree. cardinal radial of VORTAC CCC. This waypoint was also previously computed, but disregarded in favor of AWP#3 for an earlier leg of the flight path.

As the pilot approaches destination point B, he may find it useful to automatically compute a final automatic waypoint (final AWP) near the destination. In this example, VORTAC DDD is located near the destination airport. As the aircraft nears the destination area, the pilot tunes to VORTAC DDD on his navigational receiver and selects the various cardinal radials. He notes that there is a waypoint (intersection with his flight path) along the 180.degree. radial from VORTAC DDD. In this case, the automatic waypoint is at 180.degree. bearing, 30 NM range from VORTAC DDD.

The use of the automatic waypoint arrangement according to the present invention, frees the pilot from independent plotting and computation of waypoints along his flight path.

In its preferred embodiment, the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement, according to the present invention, is incorporated as an integral part of an RNAV device. It is difficult to describe in detail the best mode or presently preferred embodiment of the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement, according to the present invention, without also disclosing in some detail and discussing the entire RNAV device into which it is incorporated and of which it forms an integral part. Thus, an RNAV device, incorporating the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement of the present invention, is described in the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment to follow. The RNAV device set forth is the presently preferred embodiment and represents the best mode for practicing the invention known to the inventors at the time of the filing of the application for this patent (i.e., the actually commercialized embodiment).

The RNAV device, according to the present invention, is structured, in its preferred embodiment as a microprocessor-based system including a firmware module (a programmable read only memory having a program stored therein). The firmware, in essence, transforms the microprocessor-based system into a special purpose machine providing the various functional operations of the RNAV device including the automatic cardinal waypoint feature. Of course, the RNAV device could be constructed using only "hardware" logic circuits, using discrete logic gates, for all functions implemented by the firmware. Present economies, however, render such an approach impractical.

Briefly, the overall architecture of the RNAV, according to the present invention, includes input circuits for processing the VOR and DME signals from a navigation receiver; and input circuits for processing an OBS course signal defining a pilot-selected course entered via HSI/CDI equipment.

Various controls and processing circuits allow a pilot to enter data and call for data retrieval. Annunciators and a data display provide data readout to the pilot. Circuitry is provided for driving a steering needle and "To/From" flag of an HSI/CDI. As stated, the heart of the RNAV is a microprocessor, associated PROM and related signal processing and clock generating circuits. The PROM includes firmware controlling all operations and computations.

The overall firmware-controlled operation causes the RNAV to generally follow an executive or main program in which the various RNAV inputs are read, computations are made and data is displayed. Associated with the controls for data input is an interrupt arrangement for diverting the attention of the microprocessor from is normal executive routine to allow specific data entry and retrieval as desired by the pilot, such as entering a new waypoint or reading out current aircraft position and ground speed.

The present invention provides a navigation device for use with a conventional navigation system and conventional HSI/CDI having an OBS in providing navigation information to waypoint locations defined with respect to a given VORTAC station, the device including memory means for storing digital data representing waypoints; means for reading data from the navigation receiver and determining the present position of the aircraft with respect to a VORTAC Station; means for reading from the OBS, the desired course of the aircraft; cardinal radial means for automatically determining whether a predetermined radial of the VORTAC station intersects the aircraft's desired course and if so, the location of such intersection which defines a waypoint; and means for automatically entering, into the memory means data representing the waypoint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and the claims when read in conjunction with the Figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram representing the manner in which a conventional area navigation (RNAV) device is used in combination with a navigation receiver and horizontal situation indicator/course deviation indicator (HSI/CDI);

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the manner in which conventional RNAV is utilized illustrating the creation of pilot calculated waypoints from a point of departure A to a designation B;

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the classic RNAV triangle illustrating how a conventional RNAV establishes bearing and distance (c) to a pilot calculated waypoint based upon an aircraft present position vector (A) and an waypoint position vector (B);

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation illustrating the automatic cardinal waypoint feature of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the overall architecture of the RNAV device according to the present invention embodying the automatic cardinal waypoint feature;

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a portion of memory 34 (shown in FIG. 5) dedicated for waypoint data and illustrating the scratch pad memory in which a pilot can write frequency and elevation data related to the VORTAC station to which the various waypoints are referenced;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the main features of the executive program stored as firmware in EPROMS 150 and 152;

FIGS. 8 and 8a together provide a flow chart illustrating the automatic waypoint subroutine stored as firmware in EPROMS 150 and 152 (part of memory 34);

FIG. 9 is a detailed schematic diagram showing part of VOR demodulator and A/D converter 40;

FIG. 10 is a detailed schematic diagram showing DME conditioning circuits 44;

FIG. 11 is a detailed schematic diagram showing OBS conditioning circuits 48 and a localizer (not shown in FIG. 5);

FIG. 12 is a detailed schematic diagram showing various portions of RNAV 24 according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a detailed schematic diagram showing microprocessor and related interface circuits 32 and memory 34;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing the data display circuitry;

FIG. 15 is a detailed schematic diagram showing further detail of the VOR and OBS clock gating circuitry and the RMI (not a part of the present invention and not shown on FIG. 5);

FIG. 16 is a detailed schematic diagram showing various data input circuits and mode control circuits; and

FIG. 17 is a detailed schematic diagram showing annunciator drivers and displays 102 and 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Overview-System Architecture

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a functional block diagram of the RNAV device incorporating automatic cardinal waypoint, according to the present invention. Aside from navigation system 26 and HSI/CDI 30, all other blocks shown in the Figure are parts of the RNAV device according to the present invention. The RNAV device including the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement according to the present invention is referred to in general by reference numeral 24 throughout this description.

As previously stated, the overall architecture of RNAV 24 includes a microprocessor and related interface circuits 32 (hereinafter referred to simply as "microprocessor") implementing a firmware program stored in memory 34 to create a "special purpose" computer-based system. RNAV 24 receives VOR and DME signal outputs on signal lines 36 and 38, respectively from navigational receiver 26. The VOR signal is processed by VOR demodulator and A/D converter circuits 40 to produce a VOR counter gate on a signal line 42. The DME signal is processed by DME conditioning circuits 44 to produce a DME counter gate on a signal line 46. OBS conditioning circuits 48 receive an OBS course selection signal on a signal line 50 from HSI/CDI 30 and provide an OBS counter gate on a signal line 52. The VOR, DME and OBS counter gates on signal lines 42, 46 and 52 respectively, gate counters which count in accordance with a reference clock signal provided by microprocessor 32 on a signal line 54. The VOR and OBS counter gates control, in the alternative, a VOR/OBS counter 56. The DME counter gate controls a DME counter 58. A switch 60 automatically operated via a signal line 62 from microprocessor 32 selects whether OBS counter 56 will be gated by the VOR counter gate on signal line 42 or the OBS counter gate on line 52. RNAV 24 also includes its own localizer for convenience in airport approaches and its own Radial Magnetic Indicator (RMI) circuitry. However, the localizer and its associated circuitry and the RMI form no part of the present invention. Accordingly, the localizer and RMI circuits are not shown in FIG. 5; however; they are shown in the detailed schematics of RNAV 24 shown in FIGS. 9 to 17 for the sake of completeness. Thus, blocks 40, 44, 48, 56 and 58 operate to automatically supply RNAV 24 with data from navigation receiver 26 and HSI/CDI 30. They do not operate on pilot entered data via various operational switches actuated by the pilot.

Pilot entered data (operating mode selection, and the like) are entered via manual controls 66. Controls 66 for selecting the various operational modes of RNAV 24 include a mode switch 68, data switches 70 for entering waypoint data and making various selections, an automatic waypoint switch 72, a VOR-DME switch 74, a KTS-MIN (knots-minutes) switch 76, an APP/ENR/XTK (approach/enroute/cross-track) steering mode selecting switch 78, four (4) waypoint switches 80 and a test switch 81. Mode switch 68 includes the following selectable positions: OFF, VOR/LOC (VOR/LOCALIZER), CRS/XTK (CROSS/TRACK) RNAV, RAD/DIST (RADIAL/DISTANCE), FREQ/ELEV (FREQUENCY/ELEVATION) and SET (set waypoint). Mode switch 68 is coupled to mode switch circuits 82 and data switches 70 are coupled to data switch circuits 84. The outputs from mode switch circuits 82 and data switch circuits 84 are coupled to switch shift registers 86 which store data entered via mode switch 68 and data switches 70. In addition, the outputs of mode switch circuits 82 and data switch circuits 84 are coupled to an interrupt generator 88 which provides a switch interrupt signal on a signal line 90 to microprocessor 32. Thus, all pilot entered mode selection and data entry is via controls 68 and 70 and blocks, 82, 84, 86 and 88 to microprocessor 32.

Computed and other data is delivered to the pilot via the various blocks shown in the right half of FIG. 5. Digital data to be displayed is coupled via the data bus 92 to display shift registers 94. The outputs of display shift registers 94 are coupled to display latches, decoders, and drivers 96 which actually drive a data display 98 including eight numerical readout elements. These numerical readout elements are shown in the Figure illustrating all 8's, a typical test pattern display. RNAV 24 includes annunciator displays 100 which permit multifunctional use of the various data displays and input controls. The annunciator displays are driven by annunciator drives 102, which receive data from microprocessor 32. As will be more fully described later, annunciator displays 100 include lamps with corresponding front panel indicia representing KTS (knots), BRG (bearing), VOR, MIN (minutes), RNG (range), DME, FRQ (frequency), RAD (radial), CRS, L (left), R (right), XTK (cross-track), DST (distance), and ELV (elevation). In addition, annunciator displays 100 include lamps optically coupled with the four waypoint switches 80 to indicate which of four waypoints are being actively navigated or programmed. The activation of the fifth or automatic waypoint is optically annunciated by a lamp behind the autowaypoint switch 72.

RNAV 24 also includes D/A converter 104 receiving data signals from data bus 92, clock signals via a line 106 and a steering strobe signal via a line 108. D/A converter 104 provides steering and flag control signals to HSI/CDI 30 via a line 110.

The ornamental features of the face plate (not shown) and arrangement of controls 66, annunciator displays 100 and display elements 98 of RNAV 24 are shown in our co-pending, commonly assigned application for design patent Ser. No. 217,382 filed concurrently herewith on Dec. 17, 1980.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONAL MODES

The following is a functional description of the various operations that occur within RNAV 24 in each of its modes of operation as selected via controls 66.

VOR/LOC: With mode switch 68 in the VOR/LOC position, RNAV 24 operates in a VOR localizer (LOC) mode. In this mode RNAV 24 merely operates as a conventional navigational receiver/converter such as navigation receiver 26 would operate in combination with an HSI/CDI such as HSI/CDI 30. RNAV 24 identifies and displays via elements 98 the bearing and range to a VORTAC station tuned-in on navigation receiver 26. Thus, if a pilot establishes a flight plan from one VORTAC station to the next (as is commonly done in the absence of an RNAV device), he could simply fly in VOR/LOC mode and steer a course defined by the bearing to the VORTAC station as displayed. Operation in the VOR/LOC mode does not involve any of the computations normally associated with conventional RNAV devices. The bearing and range are displayed by elements 98 corresponding to the current bearing and range to the VORTAC station. While bearing and range are being displayed in this mode, the VOR and DME annunciator lamps are lighted. In order to fly a course directly to the VORTAC station, a pilot could consult his magnetic compass and steer his aircraft so as to maintain a magnetic compass heading corresponding to the bearing displayed on display elements 98. Operating with an HSI/CDI having an OBS, the pilot could consult the course defined by the bearing displayed by elements 98 set the OBS to "steer" the displayed bearing and then steer a course so as to maintain a "centered" HSI/CDI steering needle.

Operating in the VOR/LOC mode, the bearing and DME information displayed via elements 98 merely indicates the direction (bearing) to fly to get to the VORTAC station tuned in and the range to that station from the aircraft's present position.

While operating in the VOR/LOC mode, if a ground controller inquires as to the aircraft's present position, the pilot can depress VOR-DME pushbutton switch 74. Depressing switch 74 causes elements 98 to display the reciprocal ofthe bearing to the VORTAC station. Thus, the present position of the aircraft is defined as a bearing and range from the VORTAC station, i.e. the aircraft is on the 91.degree. radial at 26.5 NM from the VORTAC station XXX.

Also, while operating in the VOR/LOC mode, if the (KTS-MIN) (knots-minutes) pushbutton switch 76 is pressed, RNAV 24 calculates the aircraft's ground speed towards the received VORTAC station. This computation is carried out by the determining the rate of change of distance (displayed as the range) over a predetermined distance and computing the ground speed corresponding to that rate of change of distance. The distance (range) to the VORTAC station is then divided by the computed ground speed to derive the estimated time required to reach the VORTAC station which is displayed in minutes. Both ground speed in KTS and time in MINS are displayed via elements 98. During such display the KTS and MINS annunciator lamps are lighted.

The VOR/LOC mode can also be used for localizer operation at an airport approach. For such operation, the internal localizer (not shown in FIG. 5) would be used. As previously stated, the localizer forms no part of the invention herein claimed. It is shown in the detailed schematics only for the sake of completeness in detailing the entire RNAV device which is the best mode implementation of the present invention.

CRS/XTK: The (cross track) CRS/XTK position of mode switch 68 actually defines two separate and distinct modes of operation. A first mode of operation is defined when the cross track switch position has been selected immediately after operation in the RNAV mode; and a second operating mode is selected when the immediately preceding operation was in the VOR/LOC mode.

Upon switching mode switch 68 from VOR/LOC position to the CRS/XTK position, RNAV 24 displays the course selected by the OBS of an HSI/CDI operating in conjunction with RNAV 24. In this mode, RNAV 24 provides an accurate digital display via elements 98 of the course (bearing) selected by the pilot and entered via the OBS course selector knob. This readout generally provides a more accurate indication of the course than could be obtained merely from the mechanical dial indicator of the OBS. In essence RNAV 24 operates in this mode as a course enunciator. If the pilot desires to set a course via the OBS course selection knob even more accurately, depressing the test pushbutton switch 81 causes the display to read out in 10ths of a degree of range. Thus, operating in the CRS/XTK position of switch 68 following immediately preceding operation in the VOR/LOC position, RNAV 24 operates, in essence, as an electronic substitute for the mechanical indicator of the OBS associated with RNAV 24.

However, if the CRS/XTK position of switch 68 is selected following immediately preceding RNAV position operation (to be discussed below) RNAV 24 operates in a "parallel" track offset mode (in addition to the course mode). The pilot can select an offset course parallel to the "programmed" RNAV course the offset being up to a maximum of 20 miles.

RNAV 24 provides linear (constant course width) HSI/CDI steering information on signal line 110 when operating in the RNAV mode (discussed below) with enroute (ENR), approach (APP) or cross track (XTK) steering. The three different types of steering are selectable, in the alternative, via APP/ENR/XTK switch 78.

Course width provided across the HSI/CDI scale is in nautical miles and remains constant regardless of the range of an aircraft to a waypoint. The CDI/HSI needle remains centered when the aircraft is on the course line to the waypoint as selected by the OBS. The pilot can thus instantly determine the aircraft's exact distance from the intended course line by simply observing the relative position of the HSI/CDI needle. When using linear steering, the passing of a waypoint is indicated by transition of the HSI/CDI flag from "to" to "from". Waypoint passage can also be verified by observing the point at which the range display reaches its lowest value before beginning to count back up. With switch 78 in the enroute (ENR) position, full scale of the HSI/CDI is a constant .+-.5 NM. Moving switch 78 to the approach (APR) position increases the HSI/CDI steering resolution so that full scale course width is .+-.1.25 NM. Approach mode steering is generally used on RNAV instrument approaches after passage of the final approach fix. Moving switch 78 to the cross track (XTK) position allows RNAV 24 to be programmed to establish a parallel course line up to 20 NM on either side of an RNAV course. When cross track (XTK) steering has been selected, the HSI/CDI steering needle centers when the aircraft is on the programmed parallel offset course. As with enroute steering, full scale HSI/CDI needle deflection is .+-.5 NM.

RNAV: When switch 68 is in the RNAV position, RNAV 24 operates in the "RNAV" mode. In the RNAV mode, RNAV 24 navigates to a waypoint selected from one of up to five (5) waypoints previously "memorized". For the purposes of navigating in the RNAV mode, it does not matter whether the waypoint being navigated to was obtained in the conventional manner, i.e. by being "programmed" in by the pilot or whether the waypoint was obtained automatically using the automatic cardinal waypoint feature of this invention. Regardless of the manner in which a waypoint was obtained, in the RNAV mode, RNAV 24 operates in accordance with the classic RNAV triangle shown in FIG. 3 and displays the bearing and range to the waypoint being navigated. RNAV 24 is capable of storing five (5) different waypoints including four (4) conventional and a fifth "automatic" cardinal waypoint. The fifth waypoint may also be programmed as a conventional waypoint. It also has the capability of being programmed to enter as a waypoint the aircraft "present position" as the instant radial and distance from the VORTAC.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is diagrammed a portion of memory 34 dedicated to waypoint storage. Memory 34 actually includes two (2) EPROMS 150 and 152 (shown in FIG. 13) in which the system firmware is stored, and two RAMS 154 and 156 (also shown in FIG. 13) used for data storage and manipulation. That portion of memory 34 dedicated to waypoint storage is in RAMS 154 and 156. RNAV 24 can navigate in the RNAV mode to any one of up to five (5) waypoints stored in a block of memory 34 dedicated to waypoint storage.

Within memory 34 there are twenty separate and distinct blocks of memory dedicated for the storage of waypoint information. Data related to five separate and distinct waypoints can be changed or reprogrammed as desired. For each waypoint, the waypoint position in terms of radial and distance can be stored. In addition, for convenience the pilot can enter both the frequency and elevation of the VORTAC station from which each waypoint is defined. In essence, the frequency and elevation memory blocks are merely scratch pad memories used for the sole purpose of reminding the pilot as to frequency and elevation of the VORTAC station from which a waypoint is defined. The data is not used in any computation.

The radial and distance data, however, is utilized for RNAV navigation. In essence, the radial and distance data defines the waypoint position vector (shown in FIG. 3) for each waypoint. When operating in the RNAV mode, RNAV 24 periodically (several times each second) consults the radial and distance information stored in the appropriate memory blocks and then uses that information along with the aircraft present position vector information obtained from navigation receiver 26 to calculate the aircraft bearing and range to the waypoint.

Operating in the RNAV mode, RNAV 24 navigates to whichever way-point is pilot selected by depressing the corresponding one of pushbutton switches 80 or 72. By pressing and holding one of the waypoint select switches 80, data from the corresponding bearing and range blocks of memory 34 is displayed via elements 98. An annunciator light optically coupled with the selected switch is lighted to indicate the active waypoint.

RAD/DIST: When switch 68 is in the RAD/DIST position, RNAV 24 operates in the RAD/DIST mode. Operation in this mode is indicated by the lighting of RAD and DIST lamps of annunciator displays 100. In the RAD/DIST mode, elements 98 display the bearing and distances of the waypoint being navigated to. The information displayed in this mode is identical to the information displayed when operating in the RNAV mode and the pilot simultaneously presses and holds pushbutton switch 80 corresponding to the waypoint being navigated to. However, in the RAD/DIST mode, it is not necessary to maintain pressure on a switch 80.

In the RAD/DIST mode, it is possible to manually enter or program a waypoint into one of the dedicated memory blocks of memory 34. Pressing one of the pushbutton switches 80 allows the writing into a memory block of waypoint information. This writing is accomplished by manipulation of data switches 70. The RAD/DIST mode of operation is indicated by the particular waypoint switch 80 being lighted intermittently by an enunciator lamp of annunciator displays 100. The bearing and range being manually entered appear on display elements 98. By programming in this manner, it is possible to enter four (4) separate and distinct waypoints (#1-#4). Also, the fifth waypoint could additionally be programmed in similar manner if desired.

FREQ/ELEV: When switch 68 is in the FREQ/ELEV position, the pilot can enter data relating to the frequency of the VORTAC station from which a waypoint is defined. In addition, the pilot can enter the elevation of that station. This mode allows the pilot access to the scratch pad memory for recording frequency and elevation information as shown in FIG. 6. The data stored in this scratch pad memory is merely for the operational convenience of the pilot. It is not used for computation in any manner. In this mode the FREQ and ELEV annunciator lamps are lighted.

SET: With switch 68 in the SET AUTO mode position, RNAV 24 operates in a "set automatic cardinal waypoint" mode. Selection of this mode is indicated by the lighting of a lamp associated with switch 72, enunciator drive and display. In this mode, RNAV 24 automatically generates a waypoint on a selected one of the four (4) cardinal radials from the VORTAC station to which navigational receiver 26 is tuned. When operating in this mode, rotating data switches 70 causes the device to sequence through the four (4) cardinal radials (0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., 270.degree.). The cardinal radial, selected is displayed via elements 98. For each such cardinal radial, RNAV 24 automatically determines whether the radial intersects the desired RNAV route being flown. If there is such an intersection, the distance from the VORTAC station along that cardinal radial to the WPT is computed. The intersection point can become the 5th or automatic waypoint. By turning data switches 70, RNAV 24 sequences through the four (4) cardinal radials, and computes the waypoints, if any, along each. The pilot can select a convenient waypoint from among those automatically determined or from chart inspection of the relation of the cardinal radials to his selected course.

After an automatically computed cardinal waypoint has been selected and stored in memory, the pilot can depress AUTO WPT pushbutton switch 72, while operating in the RNAV mode to navigate to the automatic waypoint. A block of memory within memory 34 is dedicated to the fifth (Automatic waypoint) in the same manner as it is to the other four and data can be entered therein and used for navigation in the RNAV mode.

A particular operational advantage derived from the automatic waypoint feature of RNAV 24 is related to the automatic programming of a waypoint. When operating in the RAD/DIST mode and the autowaypoint program button is activated for programming, then when the VOR/DME button 74 is depressed, the current position of the aircraft (which is then displayed as a radial and distance with respect to a VORTAC station) is stored as the fifth or automatic waypoint. Thus, if the aircraft is flying over a landmark, such as the end of a runway, and the pilot wishes to return to the landmark later, he can simply set that particular location as the automatic waypoint. Later, that information can be recalled simply by pressing AUTO WPT switch 72.

EXECUTIVE ROUTINE

As previously stated, all functional operations of RNAV are carried out by a microprocessor based system, the overall architecture of which was described with respect to FIG. 5. Firmware stored in memory 34 (including EPROMs 150 and 152) control the operations of RNAV 24 including the reading of data from navigational receiver 25, data from the OBS of HSI/CDI 30, pilot-entered data via controls 66, display data by display elements 98, annunciator displays via annunciator drives 102 and annunciator displays 100 and signals via signal line 110 for driving a steering needle of HSI/CDI 30. The firmwave for implementing these functions includes an executive program that is executed repetitively. Various flags and interrupts divert microprocessor 32 from the executive program to carry out subroutines associated with the specific flags and interrupts. Although the entire executive program is not flow charted, the important features thereof are flow charted in FIG. 7.

Referring now to the FIG. 7 flow chart, the executive program begins by causing a reading of the mode selected via switch 69 and an updating a mode switch shift register 69 (shown in FIG. 16) which is part of mode switch circuits 82 (shown in FIG. 5). After the mode is read and mode switch shift register 69 is updated as necessary, DME and VOR data read from navigation receiver 26 via blocks 40, 56, 44, and 58 are digitally smoothed (filtered). Then, the aircraft present position vector (A vector shown in FIG. 3) is converted from polar to rectangular coordinates. After the A vector conversion, the waypoint present position vector (B vector shown in FIG. 3) is converted from polar to rectangular coordinates. After the polar to rectangular conversion of the B vector, "X" vector used for cross track steering (if selected) is converted from polar to rectangular coordinates. Following conversion of the X vector, the RNAV (C vector shown in FIG. 3) is computed in rectangular coordinates and the result is converted from rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates for display. After conversion of the C vector to polar coordinates, ground speed and time to destination are calculated for display in the event they are called for appropriate actuation of the KTS-MIN switch 76.

Associated with the executive program are three flag routines including an automatic waypoint sub-routine, a steering output sub-routine, and a VOR/DME smoothing sub-routine. The automatic waypoint sub-routine is flow charted in FIG. 8 and executes the automatic computation of cardinal waypoints. The steering output sub-routine determines the appropriate steering signals to be coupled via signal line 110 to the steering needle of HSI/CDI 30. The VOR/DME smoothing sub-routine provides the smoothing (filtering) of the count data derived from the VOR/DME outputs of navigation receiver 26.

The flag sub-routines are executed in response to a flag being set either on an interrupt basis or as a result of various tests that are ongoing during various of the routines. A flag register includes memory space dedicated for each of a plurality of flags. As flags are generated on either an interrupt basis or as a result of a test response, the flag is noted in the register. Periodically, the flag register is consulted and the presence of a particular flag causes a jump to a particular flag routine.

The various flag routines are prioritized such that if plural flags are set, the routines are executed in a predetermined manner. The highest priority flag routine is the automatic waypoint sub-routine. If the automatic waypoint flag in the flag register is set, the executive jumps to the automatic waypoint sub-routine (shown in flow chart form in FIG. 8). If the automatic waypoint flag is set, the first time after it is set that the flag register is consulted, the executive jumps to the automatic waypoint sub-routine.

In addition to the flag routines, there are a plurality of interrupt routines. In addition to a general interrupt, there are several sources of specific interrupts. One such specific interrupt is a DME interrupt which indicates that the DME counter 58 has a number ready for microprocessor 32 to read. A second interrupt is a switch interrupt generated by switch interrupt generator 88. The switch interrupt indicates that a switch has been depressed or changed. Also, there is a general timer interrupt that occurs every one hundred milliseconds. Each of the interrupts causes the microprocessor to go through a series of tests to determine which specific interrupt caused the interrupt. A priority is established in this testing. For example, the first test is whether or not the interrupt was caused by a switch interrupt from switch interrupt generator 88. If switch interrupt generator 88 was the source of the interrupt, the switch data is read and the executive jumps to the appropriate sub-routine for handling whatever has occurred. If however, the interrupt was a DME interrupt, then microprocessor 32 reads the contents of DME counter 58 and then returns to whatever it was doing prior to the interrupt. The last interrupt tested is a timer interrupt. On each time interrupt, switch 60 shown in FIG. 5 switches between VOR conditioning circuits 40 and OBS conditioning circuits 48 which share VOR/OBS counter 56. The changing of switch 60 initiates a read of the data stored in counter 56 on the next interrupt. In essence, switch 60 is telling the system to alternately measure the VOR output and the OBS output of HSI/CDI 30. On odd interrupts, the VOR output of navigation receiver 26 is read and on even interrupts the OBS output of HSI/CID 30 is read. Once information is read from counter 56 and stored, switch 60 moves to its other position. Then a master counter is reset and the smoothing flag is set to force the filtering of the data at some later time.

After OBS data is read via line 52 and switch 60 and OBS information is stored, then DME information is read from DME counter 58. When this occurs, a steering flag and the auto waypoint flag are set in the flag register. In the event that mode switch 68 is in the "SET" position, the next time the flag register is consulted, the executive will jump to the automatic waypoint sub-routine for calculation of an automatic cardinal waypoint. A program listing depiction of all of the firmware coding including the Executive Routine is printed out in an appendix to this application. The printout includes comments to aid in a full and complete understanding of the program.

AUTOMATIC CARDINAL WAYPOINT SUBROUTINE

One aspect of the present invention is directed to the automatic computation and entry of waypoints along the cardinal radials of VORTAC stations that intersect the aircraft's intended flight path as entered on the OBS associated with HSI/CDI 30. In order to determine whether a waypoint exists along a cardinal radial of a particular VORTAC station, the pilot places mode switch 68 in the SET position so that RNAV 24 operates in the set automatic waypoint mode. While operating in this mode, manual adjusting data switches 70 causes a sequencing of the various cardinal radials (0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree.) and their display by elements 98. For each such cardinal radial, RNAV 24 computes the distance along that cardinal radial from the VORTAC station to the OBS selected flight path. If no intersection between selected cardinal radial and the flight path exists, an indication of dashes will be displayed by the range elements 98. Such a display could mean that the distance along that radial is too great (in the preferred embodiment, over 300 NM) or that based upon geography there is no intersection along that radial.

The actual computation of distance for each cardinal radial selected is carried out by an automatic waypoint subroutine which is part of the overall firmware stored within memory 34. This subroutine is detailed in FIGS. 8 and 8a.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 8a, there is shown a flow chart of the automatic waypoint subroutine. As used in this flow chart, X.sub.a and Y.sub.a represent the rectangular components of the aircraft's present position, defined with respect to a VORTAC station; the OBS represents the OBS course angle (bearing) as set by the pilot via the OBS associated with HSI/CDI 30; and AWP RAD represents the automatic waypoint radial.

The overall structure of the firmware routine stored in memory 34 includes an executive routine which calls for the performance of various functions by subroutines. Such functions include various diagnostics, reading data from navigation receiver 26, reading data from HSI/CDI 30, etc. In addition, a flag routine, called by the executive routine, routinely surveys a flag register to note whether any of various flags have been set by interrupts occurring during the execution of an operational functional. Such interrupt generated flags include switch interrupts generated via interrupt generator 88 (shown in FIG. 5) and timer interrupts. Turning mode switch 68 to SET position creates an interrupt and sets a flag ultimately resulting in entry of the automatic waypoint subroutine. The overall purpose for the automatic waypoint subroutine is the computation of distance associated with each selected cardinal radial so that the pilot can immediately determine whether a waypoint exists, and if so, where that waypoint is along the cardinal radial.

Essentially, the automatic waypoint subroutine computes the distance for each cardinal radial selected according to the following formulas: ##EQU1##

After entry into the automatic waypoint sub-routine, the sub-routine performs an OBS diagnostic. This diagnostic tests whether the OBS is connected and working properly, i.e. if valid OBS information is being received on signal line 50, see FIG. 5. If the OBS signal is not defective, a test is performed to determine whether RNAV 24 is in a range monitor mode. The range monitor mode is not discussed in this patent. It pertains to an add-on device for use with RNAV 24 according to the present invention. Thus, the range monitor forms no part of the present invention. However, it is included in the sub-routine in order to insure full disclosure of the sub-routine as utilized in the preferred embodiment. If it is determined that RNAV 24 is not in the range monitor mode, the sub-routine performs a polar to rectangular conversion of the OBS unit vector to obtain the X and Y OBS components X.sub.OBS and Y.sub.OBS.

After the X and Y OBS components have been obtained, the absolute value of X.sub.A, Y.sub.A, X.sub.OBS, and Y.sub.OBS are computed. Then, X.sub.A is multiplied by Y.sub.OBS to obtain X.sub.AWP which is the X component of the automatic waypoint. Then, Y.sub.A is multiplied by X.sub.OBS to obtain Y.sub.AWP which is the Y component of the automatic waypoint. Then, the various signs of X.sub.AWP and Y.sub.AWP are adjusted according to the quadrant of the vector defining the aircraft present position with respect to the VORTAC and the quadrant of the OBS vector specifying the aircraft bearing (actual flight path). Then, X.sub.AWP and Y.sub.AWP are added to obtain AWP SUM. Then, an X register is set to the value of X.sub.OBS. Actually, this step creates a pointer to the address where the value of X.sub.OBS is stored within memory 34.

After a pointer has been set to note the value of X.sub.OBS, it is determined whether the automatic waypoint radial i.e. the cardinal radial selected, is zero degrees or 180 degrees. If so, then the X register is set to the value of Y.sub.OBS. In fact, a pointer is established pointing to the address where the value of Y.sub.OBS is stored. If the cardinal radial selected is not zero degrees or 180 degrees then it is determined whether the value of AWP SUM is negative.

If the value of AWP SUM is negative then the value of AWP SUM is complemented. If the value of AWP SUM is not negative the value is not complemented. After the complementing step, it is again determined whether the cardinal radial being computed is zero or 180 degrees. If so, then AWP SUM is divided by the value of Y.sub.OBS. If not, the value of AWP SUM is divided by X.sub.OBS. In either case, it is then determined whether the result is negative. If so, there is an invalid computation and dashes will be displayed by element 98 pertaining to range. However, if the result is not negative, it is determined whether the result is over-range. In this case, over-range is greater than 299.9 NM. If the result is over-range, an invalid computation display occurs. However, if the result is not over-range, then the result is scaled into nautical miles. This scaling is obtained by division by a factor of 1.48. After scaling into nautical miles, the automatic waypoint diagnostic flag is reset and the sub-routine is exited.

DETAILED SCHEMATICS

Detailed schematic diagrams of RNAV 24, according to the present invention, are shown in FIGS. 9-17. These schematic diagrams, in conjunction with the complete program listing in the appendix for all of the firmware incorporated into RNAV 24, are intended to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present invention. Even though the schematic diagrams should be clear without detailed description thereof, various important features are described. The dotted line boxes drawn about various portions of the detailed circuit are labeled with reference numeral labels identifying corresponding boxes on the FIG. 5 block diagram. Where more than one such dashed line box correlates to a single block on FIG. 5, postscripts a, b--are utilized. For convenience, the circuit diagrams are presented in a format corresponding to the division of circuits into various circuit boards or sub-assemblies. Thus, various portions of the blocks shown in FIG. 5 may appear on different circuit boards or sub-assemblies.

FIG. 9 details the input portion of VOR D MOD and A/D converter 40. The input NAV/LOC signal is the VOR output from navigation receiver 26. In essence, a VORTAC station transmits a carrier containing 30 Hz. AM and a 9960 Hz. subcarrier containing 30 Hz. FM such that an aircraft, by detecting various phase relationships within the modulation, can determine its bearing with respect to the VORTAC station. Thus, VOR Demodulator and A/D converter 40 includes an NAV reference 9960 Hz. FM detector and means for detecting the phase of modulation with respect to a reference.

Referring to FIG. 10 there is shown a detailed schematic diagram of DME conditioning circuits 44. This circuit conditions the signals derived via line 38 from navigation receiver 26. DME conditioning circuits 44 are configured to accept inputs from three different types of navigation receivers 26 so that the various navigation receivers in common use can be accommodated by RNAV 24. Navigation receivers 26 using a range block output wherein the width of a range block pulse is proportional to the distance as determined by the distance measuring equipment of the navigation receiver, utilize the DME range block input. Navigation receivers 26 of the type that produce a DME pulse pair wherein the spacing of the pulse pair is proportional to the distance measured by the distance measuring equipment utilize the DME pulse pair input. Navigation receivers 26 having an analog output utilize the three inputs marked DME analog high, DME analog low, and DME flag.

Referring now to FIG. 11 there is shown a more detailed schematic of OBS conditioning circuits 48, localizer 64 and a radio magnetic indicator (RMI). Localizer 64 and RMI 130 are not essential to RNAV 24. However, because these circuits are included in the preferred embodiment of RNAV 24, they are set forth for the sake of completeness. They do not form any part of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 12 there are shown additional portions of RNAV 24 including a steering mode shift register 131 maintaining data related to the type of steering (approach, cross-track or enroute) selected; a left/right course deviation shift register 132 and D/A converter 104 (also shown in FIG. 5). Also included on this board are a TO/FROM amplifier 133 for during the TO/FROM flag of HSI/CDI 30 and a course deviation amplifier 134 for driving the steering needle of HSI/CDI 30.

Referring now to FIG. 13 there is shown a detailed schematic diagram of a circuit board on which are incorporated microprocessor and related interface circuits 32, memory 34, counter 56 and counter 58. Memory 34 includes two erasable programmable read only memories (EPROMSs) 150 and 152 and two random access memories (RAMs) 154 and 156. The firmware governing the overall opration of RNAV 24 is stored within EPROMs 150 and 152. As stated, a complete program listing with comments thereon is attached as an Appendix to this patent application. Microprocessor and related interface circuits 32 include a conventional microprocessor 158 and an interface adaptor 160 along with additional interface circuitry shown in this schematic.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a block diagram of a circuit board including display shift registers 94, display latches, decoders and drivers 96, dash and decimal driver 180 and display elements 98.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown detailed schematic diagram including additional portions of VOR d MOD and A/D converter 40, OBS conditioning circuit 48, switch 60, and RMI 130. Again, RMI 130 represents an "add-on" feature of RNAV 24 but forms no part of the present invention. Its use is in no way connected with the conventional navigation operation of RNAV 24 or the generating and storage of an automatic cardinal waypoint.

Referring now to FIG. 16 there is shown a schematic diagram of another of the circuit boards for RNAV 24. This board includes data switches 70, mode switch 68, auto waypoint switch 72, VOR-DME switch 74, KTS-MIN 76 and waypoint switches 80. The board also includes a switch interrupt generator 88 and data switch shift register 86. Data switches 70, data switch shift register 86 and switch interrupt generator 88 are configured such that rotation of the data switches is interpreted as incremental changes of a data value. There are no fixed values related to the various switch positions. Rather, rotating data switches 70, merely increments or decrements, depending upon the direction of rotation, the values stored in data switch shift register 86. The circuitry on this board not related to the various switches pertains to display driving circuitry for determining the intensity to which various lamps acting as annunciators and display elements 98 will be driven. A photocell 192 senses the ambient light level within the cockpit of the aircraft and adjusts the various lamp intensities so as to achieve a comfortable reading level of all annunciators and displays. This portion of the circuitry is not shown on the FIG. 5 block diagram.

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown a detailed block diagram of annunciator drives 102 and annunciator displays 100. The annunciators are lamps coupled with various indicia marked on a front display panel of RNAV 24 to indicate various modes of operation and data entry and retrieval.

A suitable power supply can be provided for powering the various circuits shown in FIGS. 9-17.

There has therefore been provided an RNAV device incorporating means for automatically determining waypoints at the intersection of cardinal radials of VORTAC stations with an aircraft's intended RNAV course. Development of the automatic cardinal waypoint feature, particularly in combination with the availability of four (4) conventional ("hard") waypoints, makes possible a grealy simplified cockpit procedure for both enroute and near terminal navigation. A pilot has the opportunity to employ a standardized procedure for his arrival navigation in the arrival terminal area. The procedure utilizes the numbered waypoints in a specific manner to greatly minimize confusion among crew members and procedurizes the operation of a single pilot flight management. After entering the frequency of the first to be used VORTAC station prior to departure, the pilot determines an initial magnetic course line defining his path toward a destination and a suitable cardinal radial from that VORTAC station which provides a suitable waypoint intercept of his magnetic course line with that radial. The pilot has a choice of four cardinal radials (0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. or 270.degree.). For each cardinal radial selected, RNAV 24 automatically computes the range from the VORTAC station to the intercept point along the course line. The pilot can select any of the four radials by dialing or rotating the data knob. With the mode selector switch in the "SET" position, the value of a distance (range) appears in the righthand side of a digital display. This represents the position of the automatic waypoint from the VORTAC station defined by the range along the cardinal radial selected. A pilot can verify the proper value of the range appearing on the disply by scaling his chart used for trip planning. If the distance, as double-checked, is determined to be too great, the pilot may cause the distance to be made smaller by rotating his omni-directional bearing selector (OBS) to achieve that result. Thus, with the aid of automatic cardinal radials, the pilot can enter slight course corrections and refine his intended route from waypoint to waypoint. After navigating a first leg of the trip based on signals from a first VORTAC station, the pilot can tune in a second VORTAC station and repeat the same procedure. By noting his progress in using successive VORTAC stations and keeping track on his chart, the pilot can insure that the automatic waypoints are properly falling near his assumed flight path. The pilot can verify the proper setting of his OBS by observing where the course line lies along the cardinal radial selected. Alternatively, the pilot can judiciously correct for magnetic variation from one VORTAC station to another.

When an aircraft nears its destination or the initial arrival fix in a terminal area, the pilot may elect to use the "fifth" automatic waypoint in a different manner. During the enroute phase of flight, the automatic cardinal waypoint mode was used as the fifth waypoint. The fifth waypoint has additional capabilities in that, by placing the mode selector of RNAV 24 in the radial distance RAD/DIST position and selecting the fifth waypoint for programming, it may be used to enter a specific address waypoint (hard waypoint). For example, a pilot could plot a waypoint on destination from his last enroute VORTAC station. This provides a distance to go to initial approach fix or terminal arrival fix and time to go. This data will be based on reception of signals from an appropriate enroute VORTAC.

During this near to the end phase of flight, a pilot can determine the expected approach or approaches in use at his intended arrival airport. With this knowledge he can program the No. 1 hard waypoint as an initial approach fix or arrival fix based on radial and distance from the terminal VORTAC station. The terminal area VORTAC station may not be in use in this point of navigation because it still is at an excessive distance but will be used when the aircraft arrives in the terminal area and within the reception range thereof. Thus, the initial arrival fix can be programmed as a waypoint from two different VORTAC stations.

When the aircraft is able to receive the terminal area VORTAC station, the aircraft position data thus available can be used by selecting waypoint 1. Some time prior to arrival over waypoint 1 in the terminal area, the aircraft may come under radar vector control of the terminal area controller. Thus, the pilot may not actually pass over waypoint number 1 even though his prior clearance indicated that was the arrival fix. In any event, when the pilot comes within control of the approach controller, he is basically under radar vector navigation.

When it is determined that the aircraft will not be navigating over waypoint number 1 or if it has continued navigation to that fix, the pilot then selects waypoint 2 which is the final approach fix for the approach then in use at the destination airport. The advantage of the RNAV function at this phase of flight is that the pilot is given continuous and accurate position information of his aircraft relative to the next fix over which he expects to pass during his approach procedures. Thus, there are now two modes of monitoring the progress and position of the flight. One is the ground controller and the other is the pilot in the aircraft.

In a similar manner, the pilot can program a waypoint defining the airport or touch down zone of the active runway as waypoint number 3. Under one set of circumstances, waypoint 3 would be selected after the aircraft has passed waypoint 2. If RNAV 24 is used in conjunction with a Range Monitor configuration, it continues to provide bearing and range information relative to a waypoint when the pilot has selected localizer signals for steering and glide slope information.

Again, the availability in RNAV 24 of four numbered "hard" way points for the purposes stated permits a high proceduralized method of operation to be used in the cockpit. Thus, waypoint number 1 is always the initial arrival fix or altitude crossing restriction. Waypoint 2 is always the final approach fix and waypoint 3 is always the runway or airport address. In a similar manner, waypoint 4 can be used as the missed approach holding fix.

In the meantime the fifth waypoint is available. The fifth waypoint can be programmed for an alternate airport. This could be programmed as a waypoint off of the final approach VORTAC station. In the event that the pilot elects to proceed to his destination, this feature gives him immediate navigation to this new fix. This is particularly helpful under the circumstances because the reason the pilot elected to proceed to an alternate was that he does not have sufficient fuel to remain in the original destination area for any extended additional time.

As an alternative to the embodiment previously described, the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement could be implemented as a 0.degree./180.degree. and 90.degree./270.degree. configuration. In such an alternative embodiment, only two cardinal radial choices would be available to the pilot, i.e., 0.degree./180.degree. and 90.degree./270.degree.. If the aircraft is flying North or South, the pilot would select 90.degree./270.degree.. The automatic waypoint arrangement would automatically chose either the 90.degree. or 270.degree. radial for interception with the chosen course line, dependency on which side of the course line the VORTAC station was on. Similarly, if the aircraft is flying East-West, the pilot would select the 0.degree./180.degree. radial. The automatic waypoint arrangement would automatically choose either the 0.degree./180.degree. radial. The automatic waypoint arrangement would automatically choose either the 0.degree. or 180.degree. radial for interception with the chosen course line, depending on which side of the course line the VORTAC station was on.

The automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement is not limited to navigation from only VORTAC radio station signals. By appropriate substitution of a navigation receiver and the addition of any required interface circuitry, the automatic cardinal waypoint arrangement could also be used with LORAN and other types of radio defined navigational radio fixes.

Obviously, other embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description, drawings and program listing. It is therefore to be understood that such other embodiments and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. ##SPC1## ##SPC2## ##SPC3## ##SPC4## ##SPC5## ##SPC6## ##SPC7## ##SPC8## ##SPC9## ##SPC10##

Claims

1. A navigation device for use with a conventional aircraft navigation system and conventional HSI/CDI having OBS in providing navigational information to waypoint locations defined with respect to a given VORTAC station, said device comprising:

memory means for storing digital data representing waypoints;

means for reading data from the navigation system and for determining the present position of the aircraft with respect to a VORTAC station;

means for reading from the OBS, the intended course of the aircraft;

automatic radial means for automatically determining whether a predetermined radial of the VORTAC station intersects the aircraft's intended course and, if so, for determining the location of such intersection which defines a waypoint; and

means for automatically entering, into said memory means data representing said waypoint.

2. A device according to claim 1 further including navigation display means providing information for use in navigating to the waypoint.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the navigation display means displays the bearing and range of the waypoint.

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 further including means for selecting any one of four (4) cardinal radials (0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. or 270.degree.) as said predetermined radial.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the navigation display means comprises means for displaying data in polar coordinates representing the bearing and range defining a waypoint.

6. A device according to claim 4 wherein the navigation display means comprises means for diplaying data in polar coordinates representing bearing and range to the waypoint.

7. A device according to claim 1 or 2 further including means for displaying data representing the location of waypoint determined by said automatic radial means.

8. A method for automatically generating aircraft navigational information comprising the steps of:

establishing an intended aircraft course line;

receiving a VORTAC radio station;

first automatically determining whether a predetermined radial of said VORTAC radio station intersects the intended course line;

second, if the predetermined radial intersects the intended course line, automatically determining the distance from the VORTAC radio station, along the predetermined radial, to the intended course line thus automatically locating the position of the intersection, to automtically define a waypoint at the intersection; and

automatically displaying information for use in navigating to said waypoint.

9. A method according to claim 8 further including repeating the steps of first and second determining for at least two radials of the VORTAC station; and

selecting a convenient waypoint from among those so determined, and the performing the displaying step.

10. A method according to claim 8 and 9 further including the steps of:

storing, in a memory, an automatically determined waypoint; and

recalling the waypoint so stored for later navigational usage.

11. An RNAV device for use with a conventional navigation receiver and an HSI/CDI having OBS comprising:

memory means for entering and storing data defining at least two (2) waypoints;

means for automatically reading data from the navigation system and determining the present position of the aircraft with respect to the VORTAC station;

means for automatically reading from the OBS, the intended course of the aircraft;

cardinal radial means for automatically determining whether a predetermined radial of the VORTAC station intersects the aircraft's intended course and, if so, the location of such intersection, the intersection thus automatically defining a cardinal waypoint;

means for automatically entering, into said memory means, data representating the cardinal waypoint;

means for selecting either of the at least two waypoints, or the automatically determined cardinal waypoint; and

means for facilitating navigation to the thus selected waypoint.

12. An RNAV device according to claim 11 further including means for displaying data representing the selected waypoint.

13. An RNAV device according to claim 12 wherein the means for displaying comprises means for displaying polar coordinate data.

14. An RNAV device according to claim 11 further including means for displaying data representing the bearing and range to the selected waypoint.

15. An RNAV device comprising:

automatic waypoint determining means for automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft's intended course and one of four predetermined orthogonal radial bearing lines from said ground-based navigational radio fix; and

RNAV utilization means for automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation towards said automatically determined location.

16. An RNAV device as in claim 15 further comprising:

means for automatically determining further digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio station of an aircraft present position; and

said RNAV utilization means also being adapted to automatically receive said further digital data signals and to selectively utilize them subsequently to facilitate aircraft navigation back towards said present position.

17. An RNAV device as in claim 15 or 16 wherein said automatic waypoint determining means includes for automatically providing said digital data signals for each of the four cardinal radials 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree..

18. An RNAV device as in claim 15 or 16 including display means for visually displaying a numerical representation or said digital data signals and of said further digital data signals.

19. An RNAV device as in claim 15 or 16 wherein said automatic waypoint determining means includes means for automatically selecting the radial most nearly orthogonal to the selected path of flight.

20. An RNAV device as in claim 15 or 16 wherein said automatic waypoint determining means includes means for automatically selecting the radial most nearly aligned with the projected path of flight if not more than a predetermined maximum value of range from the aircraft.

21. An RNAV device comprising:

automatic waypoint determining means for automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft's intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground-based navigational radio fix; and

RNAV utilization means for automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation towards said automatically determined location,

said automatic waypoint determining means including means for determining if said intersection exists and, if not, for providing unique predetermined digital data signals values indicative thereof.

22. An RNAV device comprising:

automatic waypoint determining means for automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft's intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground-based navigational radio fix;

RNAV utilization means for automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation towards said automatically determined location;

means for automatically determining further digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio station of an aircraft present position;

said RNAV utilization means also being adapted to automatically receive said further digital data signals and selectively utilizing them subsequently to facilitate aircraft navigation back towards said present position; and

said automatic waypoint determining means including means for determining if said intersection exists and, if not, for providing unique predetermined digital data signal values indicative thereof.

23. An RNAV device as in claim 21 or 22 wherein said automatic waypoint determining means includes means for determining if said intersection is more than a predetermined distance from the aircraft's present position and, if so, for providing a unique predetermined digital data signal values indicative thereof.

24. An RNAV device comprising:

automatic waypoint determining means for automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft's intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground-based navigational radio fix; and

RNAV utilization means for automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation towards said automatically determined location,

said automatic waypoint determining means including means for determining if said intersection is more than a predetermined distance from the aircraft's present position and, if so, for providing unique predetermined digital data signal values indicative thereof.

25. An RNAV device comprising:

automatic waypoint determining means for automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft's intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground-based navigational radio fix;

RNAV utilization means for automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation towards said automatically determined location;

means for automatically determining further digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground-based navigational radio station of an aircraft present position;

said RNAV utilization means also being adapted to automatically receive said further digital data signals and selectively utilizing them subsequently to facilitate aircraft navigation back towards said present position; and

said automatic waypoint determining means including means for determining if said intersection is more than a predetermined distance from the aircraft's present position and, if so, for providing unique predetermined digital data signal values indicative thereof.

26. RNAV apparatus comprising:

adjustable waypoint defining means for manually defining and storing plural predetermined waypoints;

waypoint selection means for selecting and using one of said stored waypoints as an active RNAV waypoint;

automatic waypoint defining means for automatically defining a further waypoint at the intersection of an aircraft's intended course line and a predetermined radial bearing line from a ground-based radio navigation station;

automatic waypoint selection means for selecting and using said further waypoint as the active RNAV waypoint.

27. RNAV apparatus as in claim 26 wherein said automatic waypoint defining means includes further means for automatically defining and storing for subsequent selective use said further waypoint as the aircraft's present position with respect to a ground-based radio navigation station.

28. RNAV apparatus as in claim 26 or 27 wherein said adjustable waypoint defining means, said automatic waypoint selection means comprise:

respectively associated manually activated electric switch contacts connected to a firmware controlled microprocessor device which monitors the state of said switch contacts as well as the state of other provided radio navigational signal inputs representing the aircraft's intended relative course line and its present location with respect to said station and, in response thereto, selectively provides electrical output signals representing said waypoints and the deviation of said aircraft from said intended course line;

digital display devices for selectively displaying any one of said waypoints; and

a visual indicator device for visually portraying said deviation.

29. RNAV apparatus as in claim 28 wherein said digital display devices selectively display the aircraft's intended course line.

30. An RNAV device for use with a conventional aircraft navigation system and conventional HSI/CDI having OBS in providing navigational information to waypoint locations defined with respect to a navigational radio station, comprising:

memory means for storing digital data representing a waypoint;

RNAV utilization means for receiving data from said navigation receiver indicating the present position of the aircraft and OBS data from said HSI/CDI representing an intended course and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation towards said waypoint, including means for determining (a) bearing and range to said waypoint and (b) ground speed and time-to-waypoint;

digital display means for (a) normally displaying bearing and range to said waypoint and (b) selectively displaying ground speed and time-to-waypoint;

adjustable waypoint defining means for manually defining and storing plural predetermined waypoints;

waypoint selection means for selecting and using one of said stored waypoints as the active RNAV waypoint;

automatic waypoint defining means for automatically defining a further waypoint at the intersection of an aircraft's intended course line and a predetermined radial bearing line from a ground-based radio navigation station; and

automatic waypoint selection means for selecting and using said further waypoint as the active RNAV waypoint.

31. A method for navigating an aircraft comprising the steps of:

automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft intended course and one of four predetermined orthogonal radial bearing lines from said ground based navigational radio fix; and

automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation toward the automatically determined location.

32. A method according to claim 31 further including the step of automatically determining further digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio station of an aircraft's present position;

wherein the step of automatically receiving and utilizing includes the step of automatically receiving the further digital data signals and selectively utilizing them subsequently to facilitate aircraft navigation back toward the present position.

33. A method according to claim 31 or 32 wherein said step of automatically providing includes the step of automatically providing the digital data signals for each of the four caridnal radials, 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree..

34. A method according to claim 31 or 32 further including the step of displaying a numerical representation of the digital data signals and the further digital data signals.

35. A method for navigating an aircraft comprising the steps of:

automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground based navigational radio fix; and

automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation toward the automatically determined location,

the step of automatically providing including the step of determining whether an intersection exists and if not, providing a unique predetermined digital data signal indicative thereof.

36. A method for navigating an aircraft comprising the steps of:

automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground based navigational radio fix;

automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation toward the automatically determined location;

automatically determining further digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio station of an aircraft's present position;

wherein the step of automatically receiving and utilizing includes the step of automatically receiving the further digital data signals and selectively utilizing them subsequently to facilitate aircraft navigation back toward the present position, and

wherein the step of automatically providing includes the step of determining whether an intersection exists and if not, providing a unique predetermined digital data signal indicative thereof.

37. A method according to claim 35 or 36 wherein said step of automatically providing includes the step of determining whether the intersection is more than a predetermined distance from the aircraft's present position and, if so, providing a unique predetermined digital data signal indicative thereof.

38. A method for navigating an aircraft comprising the steps of:

automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground based navigational radio fix; and

automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation toward the automatically determined location,

said step of automatically providing including the step of determining whether the intersection is more than a predetermined distance from the aircraft's present position and, if so, providing a unique predetermined digital data signal indicative thereof.

39. A method for navigating an aircraft comprising the steps of:

automatically providing digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio fix of an intersection between the line of an aircraft intended course and a particular radial bearing line from said ground based navigational radio fix;

automatically receiving said digital data signals and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation toward the automatically determined location;

automatically determining further digital data signals representing the location with respect to a ground based navigational radio station of an aircraft's present position;

wherein the step of automatically receiving and utilizing includes the step of automatically receiving the further digital data signals and selectively utilizing them subsequently to facilitate aircraft navigation back toward the present position, and

wherein said step of automatically providing includes the step of determining whether the intersection is more than a predetermined distance from the aircraft's present position and, if so, providing a unique predetermined digital data signal indicative thereof.

40. A method for area navigation comprising the steps of:

manually defining and storing plural predetermined waypoints;

selecting and using one of the stored waypoints as an active RNAV waypoint;

automatically defining a further waypoint at the intersection of an aircraft's intended course line and a predetermined radial bearing line from a ground based radio navigation station; and

selecting and using the further waypoint as the active RNAV waypoint.

41. A method according to claim 40 wherein the step of automatically defining includes the step of automatically defining and storing for subsequent selective use the further waypoint as the aircraft's present position with respect to a ground based radio navigation station.

42. A method for area navigation comprising the steps of:

storing digital data representing a waypoint;

receiving data from a navigation system indicating the present position of an aircraft and OBS data from an HSI/CDI representing an intended course and utilizing them to facilitate aircraft navigation towards the waypoint including the steps of determining (a) bearing and range to the waypoint and (b) ground speed and time-to-waypoint;

normally displaying bearing and range to the waypoint;

selectively displaying ground speed and time-to-waypoint;

manually defining and storing plural predetermined waypoints;

automatically defining a further waypoint at the intersection of an aircraft's intended course line in a predetermined radial bearing line from a ground based radio navigtation station; and

selecting and using the further waypoint as the active RNAV waypoint.